STORING AND DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR PRODUCT HAVING AN ORIFICE

Abstract

A container including a lid for storing product is disclosed. A flexible pouch has bottom, top, and side portions and contains a plurality of sheets, the sheets are stacked and connected to each other via a connection with a majority of connections connecting wipes on only one side of the stack with a majority of such connections disposed a same side of the stack, and an orifice in the top portion having a width extending between a first side edge and a second side edge and a length dimension defining the longest dimension of the orifice, wherein the second side edge is closer to the stack right end than the first side edge, and a portion of the second side edge disposed most closely to the stack right end is disposed between 30 and 50 mm from the connections on the stack right side.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer products, such as disposable wipes, are often sold in packages designed to both store and dispense the products. Wipes have been made from a variety of materials which can be dry or wet when used. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Disposable moist wipes are often sold in rigid tubs or flexible pouches that include a dispensing orifice through which to extract the wipes from the interior of the tub or pouch. Such packages typically provide a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure that they do not become dirty or overly dry. A movable and resealable flap or lid typically covers the dispensing orifice, so that when a wipe is not being dispensed, the tub or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment to prevent moisture loss from the plurality of moist wipes housed therein.

Mechanisms for opening the flap or lid vary. In a common “push button” design, the lid is held closed via a latching mechanism. In the closed position, a compressed spring lies in tension against an undersurface of the lid. When an opening button is pressed, the latching mechanism releases the lid, and the compressed spring unloads its tension to throw the lid to an open position. Other mechanisms include simple hinge designs without such compressed springs. These lids may require the user to unlatch and fully open the lid.

Typically, wet wipes have been stacked in a container in either a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, containers of wet wipes have been available wherein each of the wet wipes stacked in the container has been arranged in a folded configuration such as a c-folded, z-folded or quarter-folded configuration as are well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes each folded wet wipe is interfolded with the wet wipes immediately above and below it in the stack of wipes. In an alternative configuration, the wet wipes have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of material that includes perforations adapted to allow for separation of individual wet wipes from the web upon the application of a pulling force. Such wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes and the like.

Some of the conventional packages have also been configured to provide “one-at-a-time” dispensing of each wet wipe which can be accomplished using a single hand after the package has been opened. Such single-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is particularly desirable because the other hand of the user or care giver is typically required to be simultaneously used for other functions.

“Pop-up” configurations of wet wipe dispensers can advantageously help provide the aforementioned single-handed, “one-at-a-time” dispensing. In “pop-up” configurations, when a wipe is removed from the dispenser, the wipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a line of weakness. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe, and the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from the package. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent withdrawal from the package, and what was previously the succeeding wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

Further advancements in this art area represent a continual need to provide for more user-friendly dispensing experience, particularly with respect to one-at-a-time and single-handed dispensing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending between an orifice first side edge and an orifice second side edge in the transverse dimensions, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge; and an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from a majority of the connections disposed on the stack right side.

In a second embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; and an orifice length dimension extending along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.

In a third embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, and a lid assembly comprising a flange connected to the pouch and disposed about the orifice and a lid connected to the flange through a hinge by which the lid rotates from a closed position to an open position, wherein the flange comprises an interior wall defining an aperture and a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a container and push-button lid, with the push-button lid shown in a closed configuration, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B representatively illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment FIG. 1A, with the push-button lid shown in an open configuration and further illustrating an orifice of the container, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment FIG. 1A, with the push-button lid shown in an open configuration and illustrating an orifice of the container, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of the container and an alternative flip lid, with the flip lid shown in a closed configuration, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B representatively illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment FIG. 3A, with the flip lid shown in an open configuration and further illustrating an orifice of the container, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment FIG. 3A, with the flip lid shown in an open configuration and illustrating an orifice of the container, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary orifice of the present disclosure shown in isolation, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 representatively shows a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 representatively shows a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8A representatively shows a front view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, such as those shown in any of FIGS. 6-7;

FIG. 8B representatively shows a top view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, such as those shown in any of FIGS. 6-7;

FIG. 8C representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line XX-XX in FIG. 8B, in which wipe-to-wipe connections are on alternating sides of the stack;

FIG. 8D representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line XX-XX in FIG. 8B, in which wipe-to-wipe connections are all on the same side of the stack;

FIG. 9 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a container holding a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG. 2, illustrating aspects of the wipe-to-wipe connections in relation to an orifice; and

FIG. 10 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a container holding a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG. 2, illustrating aspects of the stack of wipes in relation to the container.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be more fully understood and further features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of the packages depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.

In particular embodiments, a container 20 is adapted to store and dispense product, such as sheets from a stack or roll of moist wipes 22. Other examples of product suitable for use in conjunction with the container 20 include facial tissue, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or the like. The container 20 includes a housing 14. The housing 14 can be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown). Alternatively, the housing 14 can be flexible, such as a flexible pouch 24, for storing the stack or roll of wipes 22. The flexible pouch 24 can be made of any suitable flexible substrate, including a polymeric film, a nonwoven fabric, cloth, rubber, foil, or the like. The housing 14 or flexible pouch 24 defines an interior space 26, and an outer surface 29 generally facing away from the interior space 26. The housing 14 or pouch 24 defines a dispensing orifice 27 through which the wipes 22 can be individually extracted from the interior space 26. In particular embodiments, the housing 14 or pouch 24 is substantially moisture-impervious, such as when used to house pre-moistened wipes.

The container can also include a rigid flip top assembly 30. The assembly 30 includes a lid 50 connected to a flange 60 through a hinge 52. The lid 50 can rotate about the hinge 52 to form a closed configuration (for example, as depicted in FIG. 1A; or 3A for assembly 30′) to an open position (for example, as depicted in FIG. 1B; or 3B for assembly 30′). The flange 60 is disposed on the outer surface 29 of the housing 14, such as by being affixed to the outer surface 29 of the pouch 24, for example via adhesive. Alternatively, the flange can be integrally formed with the housing 14.

The lid 50 covers the dispensing orifice 27 when the lid is in a closed position, and the lid 50 exposes the dispensing orifice 27 when the lid 50 is in an open position. The lid 50 can optionally include a lid moisture retention ridge 35. The flange component 60 may also optionally include a flange moisture retention ridge 65 that is adapted to seal against a lid moisture retention ridge 35 when the lid 50 is in the closed position, which helps to seal off the interior space 26. This seal can be desirable to help prevent the moist wipes 22 from drying out over time.

Typically, the assembly 30 may define an interior region 54 bounded by an interior wall of the flange 60. The interior region 54 may represent an aperture through the flange 60. The interior wall of the flange 60 may, but does not need to be in all embodiments, be defined by flange moisture retention ridge 65. The interior region 54 of the flange 60 may overlap the orifice 27 such that the orifice 27 is disposed within the interior region 54, and therefore the interior wall of the flange 60 may surround the orifice 27. In such configurations, an entirety of the rigid flip top assembly 30 is disposed outwardly of the dispensing orifice 27 through which the product can be extracted from the interior space 26. The rigid flip top assembly 30 may be considered to be “disposed outwardly of the dispensing orifice” where the assembly 30 is disposed above the dispensing orifice 27. In this manner, with alignment of the orifice 27 and the interior region 54, the wipes 22 within the housing 14 may be dispensed through both the orifice 27 and the interior region 54 of the flange 60, the wipes may be dispensed through the housing 14 and the lid assembly 30 (or 30′).

In some embodiments, the assembly 30 is a “push-button” style lid providing for automatic opening through the press of a button or similar feature, such as is depicted in FIGS. 1A-2. Such assemblies 30 may include a spring component or a lever component, such as in US20200260922A1 titled “Container having a push-button activated, pop-open lid” to Rolfs et al., the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, to provide energy for automatic opening of the lid 50. In other embodiments, the flip top assembly may be a conventional flip top requiring effort from a user to open and rotate the lid 50 into an open position. FIGS. 3A-4 depict such an exemplary assembly 30′.

The housing 14 extends in the transverse direction 11 and the longitudinal direction 13. The housing comprises top portion 71 and bottom portion 73, which are connected through side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b. The side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b are all adjoined to the bottom portion 73 and with each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion. The side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b further extend away from the bottom portion 73 and are all adjoined to the top portion 71, which overlays the bottom portion 73. In at least some embodiments, the top portion 71, bottom portion 73, and side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b may all be integrally connected together. As seen especially in FIGS. 1A, 3A, the pouch 24 is in particular embodiments rectangular; however, it could be a variety of other shapes as long as there is a bottom 73 adjoined to at least one side (e.g., the side being a cylinder). Advantageously, the top portion 71 can be generally parallel to the bottom portion 73, but need not be in all embodiments.

The housing 14 has a transverse width dimension 72 extending between transverse side ends 79a, 79b as well as a longitudinal dimension 74 extending between side portions 75a, 75b. The housing 14 further comprises a longitudinal centerline 76 dividing the housing 14 into a left transverse side disposed between the left transverse side end 79a and the longitudinal centerline 76 and a right transverse side disposed between the right transverse side end 79b and the longitudinal centerline 76.

Where the housing 14 is a flexible pouch 24, the housing 14 may be sealed at least at transverse side ends 79a, 79b to hold in moisture, for example where the product comprises moist wipes 22. According to some embodiments, such a flexible pouch 24 may further comprise a transverse extending seal (not shown) extending for the whole transverse width 72 of the flexible pouch 24. Such seals are typical where the flexible pouch 24 is formed from a single, continuous piece of material.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2, 4 the assembly 30 (or 30′) may be aligned so as to open in the transverse direction 11, for example toward one of the transverse side ends 79a, 79b. Accordingly, the hinge 52 may be oriented generally perpendicular to the transverse direction 11. Although, the hinge 52 of the assembly 30 (or 30′) need not be oriented exactly in the transverse direction 11. For example, the hinge 52 may be oriented such that the axis of rotation about which the lid 50 rotates forms an angle of less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction 13.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the housing 14 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, including longitudinal centerline 76. In some embodiments, the flip top assembly 30 can be oriented off-center with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76. For example, the flip top assembly 30 can be disposed closer to one of the transverse side ends 79a, 79b. Further, the lid 50 may be configured to open toward the transverse side end 79a, 79b to which the assembly 30 is most closely disposed. In the example of FIG. 2, the assembly 30 is disposed proximate the first transverse side end 79a, and the lid 50 is configured to open toward the first transverse side end 79a. Such an offset nature of the assembly 30 can provide advantages with respect to dispensing of the wipes 22 within the housing 14.

It may be the case that the orifice 27 is oriented off-center with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76, as seen in FIG. 2. In at least some of these embodiments, the assembly 30 may be centered with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76 but the orifice 27 is off-center with respect to the longitudinal centerline. In some of these embodiments, an orifice first side edge 81 may be disposed wholly on one side of the longitudinal centerline 76. Although, in other embodiments, a majority of a perimeter of the orifice first side edge 81 may be disposed closer to one of the ends 79a, 79b, but a portion of the orifice first side edge 81 may cross the longitudinal centerline 76. In still further embodiments, the longitudinal centerline 76 may extend exactly through the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84. Particular preferred locations of the orifice 27 are described in more detail below.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the orifice 27 in isolation. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the particular shape of the orifice 27, as described herein, is an important contributor to successful dispensing with a low failure rate. As used herein, successful dispensing may generally mean that, where a wipe is removed from the dispenser, the wipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a line of weakness. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe, and the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from the package. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent withdrawal from the package, and what was previously the succeeding wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

Historically, two malfunctions or types of failures can occur during the operation just described. In one scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the leading wipe may not properly release from the succeeding wipe, with the result that the succeeding wipe is pulled too far or even entirely out of the package. A situation in which one or more succeeding wipes are in a single pull operation withdrawn from the package by virtue of being in operative contact with the leading wipe is referred to herein as “multiples.” Multiples can result from excessively strong or geometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., too much adhesive or insufficient web perforations), or can result from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold in place the succeeding wipe to allow the leading wipe to break free (e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice).

In another scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the succeeding wipe, after breaking free from the leading wipe, may not be readily accessible for subsequent dispensing. For example, although the leading end of the succeeding wipe may momentarily protrude from the package as it follows the leading wipe during withdrawal of the leading wipe, the leading end of the succeeding wipe often subsequently falls back through the dispensing orifice into the dispensing container—herein referred to as a “fallback.” Fallbacks can result from insufficiently strong or geometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., not enough adhesive or an excessively weak line of weakness), or can result from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold the leading edge of the succeeding wipe in an outwardly protruding manner (e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice). Occasionally, the succeeding wipe may entirely fail to exit the package as the leading wipe is withdrawn, such as when the connection between the leading wipe and the succeeding breaks prematurely (i.e.; before the leading wipe is fully withdrawn).

As can be seen, the orifice 27 comprises an orifice first side edge 81 and an orifice second side edge 83 which extend between an orifice top edge 82 and an orifice bottom edge 84. The orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84 may each be a point where the orifice first side edge 81 is joined to the orifice second side edge 83. The orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84 may be positioned at the top-most and bottom-most, respectively, points of the orifice 27. That is, the orifice 27 may have a length dimension 85 extending in the longitudinal direction 13 and measured between points having a same longitudinal position as the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84. According to some embodiments, the length dimension 85 defines both a longest dimension in the longitudinal direction 13 and a largest dimension of the orifice 27. For example, the orifice 27 may be taller (in the longitudinal direction 13) than the orifice 27 is wide (in the transverse direction 11). The orifice 27 may further comprise a width dimension 87. In these embodiments, the width dimension 87 may be determined as a greatest dimension of the orifice 26 in the transverse direction 11. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the greatest transverse dimension of the orifice 27 is located at a mid-point between the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84—for example, as defined by middle transverse axis 86.

In particular advantageous embodiments of the orifice 27, the length dimension 85 may be between 44 mm and 60 mm. Lengths of between 44 and 60 mm are advantageous in that they provide a large enough opening in the longitudinal direction 13 through which a user may fit two fingers for grasping an edge of a sheet of product 22, which may be generally oriented in the transverse direction 11, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 13. The width dimension 87 may preferably be between 20 mm and 40 mm, and more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. Such width dimensions 87 similarly allow for a comfortable dispensing experience for a user by providing sufficient space for grasping of an edge of a sheet of product 22 disposed within the housing 14. Such width dimensions 87 are also important for providing a desirable pop-up dispensing function with minimal failures, as will be described in more detail below.

Another important aspect of the orifice 27 is the shape of the orifice first side edge 81 and the orifice second side edge 83. According to aspects of the present disclosure, it has been found that it is advantageous for at least one of the orifice first side edge 81 and the orifice second side edge 83 to have a convex shape. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the orifice first side edge 81 has a bowed-out shape, where the orifice first side edge 81 extends outward from the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84. In further embodiments, the orifice second side edge 83 may alternatively comprise a convex shape. Again in the example of FIG. 5, the orifice second side edge 83 can be seen having a bowed-out shape with the orifice second side edge 83 extending outward from the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84 and away from the orifice first side edge 81. Of course, both of the orifice first side edge 81 and the orifice second side edge 83 may comprise a convex shape, as in the example of FIG. 5.

In at least some of these embodiments, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the orifice first side edge 81 may extend further away from the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84 than the orifice second side edge 83. In this manner, the orifice first side edge 81 may have a greater degree of overall curvature than the orifice second side edge 83. As will be described in more detail, it may be desirable for the orifice second side edge 83 to have a relatively flat shape. Thus, in order to provide of the desired width dimension 87 of the orifice 27, the orifice first side edge 81 is required to have a greater degree of curvature than the orifice second side edge 83 in these embodiments.

By providing for a convex shape in one or both of the orifice first side edge 81 and the orifice second side edge 83, the orifice 27, with its greatest dimension extending in the longitudinal direction 13, may be able to achieve the previously stated dimensions within the bounds of an interior region of a lid assembly, such as lid assembly 30. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1-2, the lid assembly 30 provides for a relatively narrow interior region 54. Indeed, as can be seen, the interior region 54 is close to the same shape and size as the orifice 27. Accordingly, it can be further important in some embodiments for the orifice first side edge 81 and/or the orifice second side edge 83 to not have any concave portions in order to achieve dimensions of the orifice 27 whereby it is comfortable for a user to grasp an edge of a sheet of product 22 through the orifice 27.

It has been further found that to provide for a desired pop-up dispensing experience with minimal failures, the orifice second side edge 83 should have a relatively flat shape, as depicted in FIG. 5. Preferably, it has been found that a tangent line drawn tangent to any point on the orifice second side edge 83 should form an angle of less than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. To illustrate this feature, in FIG. 5, angle 91 can be seen forming an angle between the longitudinal direction 13 and an exemplary tangent line 90. In more preferred embodiments, it has been found that a tangent line drawn tangent to any point on the orifice second side edge 83 should form an angle of less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction 13.

Another aspect of the shape of the orifice 27 is that it may be most important for a central portion of the orifice second side edge 83 to have a relatively flat shape and that may be less important for the portions of the orifice second side edge 83 disposed most closely to the orifice top edge 82 and the orifice bottom edge 84 to have a relatively flat shape. Accordingly, in some embodiments, it is preferred that a tangent line drawn tangent to any point on the orifice second side edge 83 within a central portion 93 forms an angle of less than 20 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the central portion 93 of the orifice second side edge 83 may be the portion of the orifice second side edge 83 disposed away from the orifice top edge 82 or the orifice bottom edge 84 in the longitudinal direction 13 a distance greater than 5% of the orifice length dimension 85. According to further aspects, the central portion 93 of the orifice second side edge 83 may be the portion of the orifice second side edge 83 disposed away from the orifice top edge 82 or the orifice bottom edge 84 in the longitudinal direction 13 a distance greater than 10%, greater than 15%, or greater than 20% of the orifice length dimension 85.

According to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, although a relatively flat shape for the orifice second side edge 83 may be desired, it may also be the case that the orifice second side edge 83 should not be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13. Orifices 27 with such parallel side edges may be difficult to process in a repeatable manner. So, in some contemplated embodiments of the present disclosure, a tangent line drawn tangent to each point on the orifice second side edge 83 may form an angle of greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. In more preferred embodiments, a tangent line drawn tangent to each point on the orifice second side edge 83 may form an angle of greater than 2 degrees, or greater than 4 degrees, or greater than or equal to 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. Although, further embodiments of the orifice second side edge 83 may have at least some portion or portions be disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction 13, but such portion or portions may generally amount to less than 10% or less than 5% of the perimeter of the orifice second side edge 83.

In an experiment to determine a preferred orientation of the orifice 27, a number of different orifice 27 orientations were tested with respect to dispensing failures. For example, the orifice was tested in the orientation shown in FIG. 2, rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 2, rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 2, and rotated 270 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 2. In each of these configurations, the assembly 30 was also rotated the same amount. It was found that the particular orientation of the orifice second side edge 83 as shown in FIG. 2 achieved an average dispensing failure date of about 4.5%. Conversely, the same test provided average failure rates of 10.5% with the orifice 27 and assembly 30 rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in FIG. 2. This experiment helped to drive an understanding of the importance of the orientation of the orifice second side edge 83 and its greater relative flatness than the orifice first side edge 81. Such particular orientations will be described in more detail below.

Another feature of importance of the orifice 27 and the flange 60 to successful dispensing with a low failure rate is a position of the orifice second side edge 83 and the interior wall of the flange 60. For example, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, distance 95 defines a minimum distance between the orifice second side edge 83 and the interior wall of the flange 60, the distance 95 being measured at a midpoint of the orifice in the longitudinal direction 13. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 4, the interior wall of the flange 60 is shown as defined by the moisture retention ridge 65, but this need not be the case in all embodiments. For example, the moisture retention ridge 65 may be disposed outward of the interior wall of the flange 60. Regardless, it may be important in order to achieve successful dispensing with a low failure rate for the distance 95 to be small, such as less than 10 mm, less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm. Such small values for distance 95 ensure that the second side edge 83 of the orifice 27 is disposed close to the interior wall of the flange 60 whereby the rigidity of the flange 60, at least where housing 14 comprises a flexible packaging, can help to ensure consistent separation of the wipes within the stack 22. For example, where the distance 95 is too large, the wipes being dispensed from the orifice 27 will cause the second side edge 83 to bend and flex to a greater degree resulting in a decreased force on the connected wipes of the stack 22 being dispensed and therefore increasing a rate of ‘multiples’ dispensing failures. Conversely, where the distance 95 is in the preferred ranges, the rigidity of the flange 60 proximate the second side edge 83 helps to prevent the orifice second side edge 83 from bending and flexing, thereby resulting in a relatively increased force on the wipes being dispensed, helping to ensure separation of successive wipes as they are dispensing from the orifice 27.

Turning to particulars of the product 22 within the housing 14 and which contributes to a successful dispensing experience, there are important aspects related to the sheets of product 22. FIGS. 6 and 7 each depict an exemplary plurality 110 of integrally interconnected sheet products which collectively define a web 112. FIGS. 8A-8D depict an exemplary plurality 110 of integrally interconnected sheet products arranged in a stack configuration 213. With respect to FIGS. 6-8D, the plurality 110 of integrally interconnected sheet products may be wet wipes. However, it should be understood that this is only one exemplary product 22 in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, the present disclosure contemplates a plurality of interconnected wipes 110 disposed in a stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack 213. The stack 213 has a right end 214, a left end 216, a transverse direction 222 extending between the right end 214 and the left end 216, a longitudinal direction 220 perpendicular to the transverse direction 222, and a longitudinal centerline 221 extending in the longitudinal direction 220 and positioned midway between the right end 214 and left end 216. The stack 213 defines a right side 215 transversely between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the right end 214 and defines a left side 217 transversely between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the left end 216. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, each of the wipes is folded in half in the longitudinal direction 220. FIG. 8B shows a top view of the stack of folded wipes of FIG. 8A. The leading edge 229 of the wipe on the top of the stack 213 can be seen in FIG. 8B.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8C, and 8D, in particular embodiments, each wipe is connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side 215 and the left side 217 of the stack 213 via a connection (for example, connections 142, 152). FIGS. 8C and 8D depict cross-sections of alternative embodiments of the stack 213 of FIG. 8B as seen along line XX-XX. In particular embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8C, immediately successive connections 142, 152 in a stacked direction 219 are on alternating right and left sides 215, 217 of the stack 213. In other embodiments, such as those depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8D, immediately successive connections 142a, 142b in a stacked direction 219 are on the same side of the stack (e.g., the right side 215 as shown in FIG. 8D). FIG. 6 depicts several interconnected wipes from the stack shown in FIG. 8C, and FIG. 7 depicts several interconnected wipes from the stack shown in FIG. 8D, with the interconnected plurality in each case unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8C, in particular embodiments, a plurality of wipes 110 includes a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A right-side connection 142 connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Also, a left-side connection 152 connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 in the left side 217 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 being connected to the third wipe 134 only on the left side 217 of the stack 213.

In another example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8D, in particular embodiments, a plurality of wipes 110 includes a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A first right-side connection 142a connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Also, a second right-side connection 142b connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is connected to the third wipe 134 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213.

Of course, it need not be the case that the connections 142, 152 alternate sides 215, 217 or are always aligned on the same side 215, 217. For instance, in further embodiments, a majority of the connections 142, 152 may be disposed on one side 215, 217 of the stack 213. In more specific embodiments, greater than 60% of the connections 142, 152 within a stack 213 may be disposed on one side 215, 217. In still further embodiments, greater than 75%, greater than 85%, or greater than 95% of the connections 142, 152 within a stack 213 may be disposed on one side 215, 217, while still having less than all of the connections 142, 152 disposed on the same side 215, 217 of the stack 213. In any of these embodiments, a corresponding percentage of the connections 142, 152 may be disposed on the left side 217 of the stack 213. Additionally, in any of these embodiments, the connections 142, 152 may follow patterns more complex than simply alternating or need not necessarily follow any prescribed pattern with respect to how the connections 142, 152 alternate between the sides 215, 217 of the stack 213 in further embodiments.

In particular embodiments, such as those representatively illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8C, and 8D, a majority of wipe-to-wipe connections in the stack 213 of wipes are integrally formed with a wipe. For example, the connections 142 and 152 can each include three bridging strips 192. The bridging strips 192a, 192b, and 192c collectively define the right-side connection 142, and the bridging strips 192d, 192e, and 192f collectively define the left-side connection 152. The number of bridging strips can be varied depending on the dispensing mechanics necessitated by the specific configuration and construction of the wipes—and in particular embodiments, the dispenser—involved. In particular embodiments, each connection 142, 152 includes from 2 to 10 and more particularly from 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in particular embodiments, each bridging strip is from 1 to 5 millimeters in transverse width, and more preferably each bridging strip is from 1.5 to 3 millimeters in transverse width. In other embodiments, no wipe-to-wipe connection in the stack is integrally formed with a wipe. For example, the connections 142 and 152 may be accomplished via energy bonding. Example of suitable energy bonding included ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or pressure bonding. The bonding could also be accomplished via a bonding material, such as adhesive.

The stack has a width 113 measured in the transverse direction 222. The right-side connection 142 has an effective width 243 extending in the transverse direction 222, and the left-side connection 152 has an effective width 253 extending in the transverse direction 222. The “effective width” is the distance in the transverse direction between the two furthest-apart points of connectivity that connect immediately successive wipes in a stack within a single side 215, 217 of the stack 213. Thus, in no case can the effective width of a connection be greater than half of the stack transverse width 113. Preferably, the effective width of a connection is considerably less than half of the stack transverse width. For example, in particular embodiments, referring to FIG. 7, the right-side connection effective width 243 and the left-side connection effective width 253 are each at most ten percent of a stack transverse width 113. In another example, referring to FIG. 7, the first right-side connection effective width 243a and the second right-side connection effective width 243b are each at most ten percent of a stack transverse width 213.

In particular embodiments, an entirety of each right-side connection 142 in the stack 213 is closer to the stack right end 214 than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, and an entirety of each left-side connection 152 in the stack 213 is closer to the stack left end 216 than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8C. In other embodiments, an entirety of each connection in the stack 213 is closer to a single stack end—such as, for example, the stack right end 214—than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8D. As can be understood in the FIGS. 6-8D, each of the connections 142, 152 may comprise a connection inboard edge, which is an edge of the connection 142, 152 (which may comprise multiple bridging strips) disposed most closely to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213.

In order to achieve the most preferred dispensing experiences, with the least amount of failures, it has been found that particular features regarding the stack 213 of wipes, the housing 14, and the orifice 27 should be combined. For example, FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of one exemplary embodiment of the housing 14, including a stack 213, of FIG. 2 or 4 as seen along line X-X, further detailing a general preferred location of an orifice 27 in relation to the stack 213 and a particular location the second side edge 83 of the orifice 27 in relation to the connections 142 of the stack 213. Although only connections 142 are depicted in FIG. 9, it should be understood that further embodiments may include both connections 142 and connections 152.

It has been found that to achieve a most preferred dispensing experience, the connections 142, and/or 152, should primarily be disposed within the stack 213 having a distance 245 from an edge of the orifice 27 disposed most closely to the connections 142, 152. More specifically, it has been found that ensuring a particular connection dispensing distance 245 determined from a connection inboard edge, represented by location 244 in FIG. 9, and a portion of an edge of the orifice 27 disposed most closely to the connections 142, 152, represented by location 242, helps to ensure a most preferred dispensing experience.

In particular embodiments, the connection dispensing distance 245 should be greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm, or greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 45 mm. Of course, it is not needed that every single connection 142, 152 falls within these specified connection dispensing distances 245. Accordingly, in some embodiments it may be preferred that greater than 60%, or greater than 75%, or greater than 90% of the connections 142, 152 are disposed within the above specified connection dispensing distances 245. In still more specific embodiments, it has been found that it is most preferable for such connections 142, 152 to have the described connection dispensing distances 245 between the connections 142, 152 where the second side edge 83 of the orifice 27 has a relatively flat shape as described herein. For example, as described previously, an experiment showed lower failure rates where the orifice 27 and the assembly 30 were in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 with the orifice second side edge 83 having a relatively flat shape as compared to where the orifice was rotated such that the orifice first side edge 81 was disposed most closely to the connections 142—where the dispensing distances were in accordance with the above described ranges.

In order to ensure that the connection dispensing distance 245 is maintained during use, the dimensions of the orifice 27, the stack 213, and the housing 14 may be configured together in a preferred manner. FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section of one exemplary embodiment of a stack 213 of product 22 of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 as seen along line X-X illustrating dimensions of the stack 213 in relation to the housing 14.

For example, it has been found that the dispensing experience achieves the best performance when the connection dispensing distance 245 is greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. In order to ensure that such a connection dispensing distance 245 is maintained, the orifice width dimension 87 should be greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and the stack transverse width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 15 mm less than the transverse width of the stack region of the housing 14, defined by distance 257. In further embodiments, the stack transverse width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 10 mm less than the stack region transverse width 257. According to further embodiments, the stack transverse width dimension 113 should be greater than or equal to 5 mm less than the stack region transverse width 257 in order to allow for manufacturing and processing of the stack 213 and the housing 14.

The stack region of the housing 14 is the portion of the housing 14 where the stack 213 resides and the portion of the housing 14 where the stack 213 is able to move within the housing 14. For example, the housing 14 may define an interior space larger than the stack 213. However, portions of the housing 14 may narrow close to transverse side ends (e.g. along side portions 77a, 77b to the transverse ends 79a, 79b). If the stack 213 slides in the transverse direction 222 within the housing 14, the stack 213 will encounter the narrowing portions of the housing 14 proximate the transverse ends 79a, 79b and be prevented from moving further in the transverse direction 222. If this ‘slack’ between the stack transverse width 213 and the stack region transverse width 257 of the housing 14 is too large, for example greater than 10 mm, the stack 213 may move such that the connection dispensing distance 245 falls outside of the desired range. Such a distance 257 may be determined for a stack 213 which has had none of the product 22 dispensed/disconnected from the stack 213.

Materials suitable for the wipes of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art. Wipes, such as pre-moistened wipes, can be made from, for example, meltblown, coform, air-laid, bonded-carded, or hydroentangled materials, high wet-strength tissue, or combinations thereof, such as layered combinations thereof. The wipes can comprise synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof. Wipes suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention can contain a liquid which can be any solution that can be absorbed into the wipes, thus making them “wet wipes.” The liquid contained within the wet wipes can include any suitable components which provide the desired wiping properties. For example, the components can include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid can also contain lotions, ointments, and/or medicaments. The amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe. Generally, each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid based on the dry weight of the wipe for improved wiping. Examples of wipe substrates suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,102 A, 7,585,797 B2, and 8,257,553 B2.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Embodiments

Embodiment 1: A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending between an orifice first side edge and an orifice second side edge in the transverse dimensions, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge; and an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from a majority of the connections disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 2: The flexible pouch of embodiment 1, wherein the portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 3: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the stack has a transverse width extending between the stack transverse left end and the stack transverse right end of between 100 mm and 300 mm.
Embodiment 4: The flexible pouch of embodiment 3, wherein the flexible pouch has a stack region transverse width extending in the transverse direction, and wherein the stack transverse width is less than or equal to 10 mm less than the stack region transverse width.
Embodiment 5: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the orifice width dimension is between 20 mm and 40 mm.
Embodiment 6: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the orifice width dimension comprises a largest dimension of the orifice in the transverse direction.
Embodiment 7: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the orifice width dimension is defined at a mid-point between the orifice top edge and the orifice bottom edge
Embodiment 8: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein greater than 80% of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 9: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein each of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 10: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-9, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.
Embodiment 11: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-9, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.
Embodiment 12: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 1-9, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.
Embodiment 13: A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; and an orifice length dimension extending along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 14: The flexible pouch of embodiment 13, wherein the portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 15: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13 and 14, wherein the orifice first side edge comprises a convex shape.
Embodiment 16: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-15, wherein both of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a convex shape.
Embodiment 17: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-16, wherein no portions of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a concave shape.
Embodiment 18: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-17, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 19: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-18, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 20% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 20: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-18, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 21: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-18, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 20% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 22: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-21, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the orifice first side edge at a point on the orifice first side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle greater than 20 degrees.
Embodiment 23: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-22, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the orifice first side edge at a point on the orifice first side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle greater than 45 degrees.
Embodiment 24: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-23, wherein greater than 90% of a perimeter of the orifice second side edge forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 25: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-24, wherein greater than 90% of a perimeter of the orifice second side edge forms an angle greater than 2 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.
Embodiment 26: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-25, wherein at least 80% of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 27: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-26, wherein each of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 28: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-27, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.
Embodiment 29: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-27, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.
Embodiment 30: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-27, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.
Embodiment 31: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 13-27, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.
Embodiment 32: A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product may comprise a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side, and a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, and a lid assembly comprising a flange connected to the pouch and disposed about the orifice and a lid connected to the flange through a hinge by which the lid rotates from a closed position to an open position, wherein the flange comprises an interior wall defining an aperture and a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.
Embodiment 33: The flexible pouch of embodiment 32, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.
Embodiment 34: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 32 and 33, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.
Embodiment 35: The flexible pouch of any one of embodiments 32-34, wherein both of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a convex shape.

Claims

1. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product, the pouch comprising:

a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch;

the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension;

the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side; and

a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending between an orifice first side edge and an orifice second side edge in the transverse dimensions, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge; and an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from a majority of the connections disposed on the stack right side.

2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.

3. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the stack has a transverse width extending between the stack transverse left end and the stack transverse right end of between 100 mm and 300 mm.

4. The flexible pouch of claim 3, wherein the flexible pouch has a stack region transverse width extending in the transverse direction, and wherein the stack transverse width is less than or equal to 10 mm less than the stack region transverse width.

5. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the orifice width dimension is between 20 mm and 40 mm.

6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the orifice width dimension comprises a largest dimension of the orifice in the transverse direction.

7. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein greater than 80% of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.

8. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

9. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

10. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product, the pouch comprising:

a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch;

the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension;

the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side; and

a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; and an orifice length dimension extending along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.

11. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the orifice first side edge comprises a convex shape.

12. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein both of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a convex shape.

13. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein no portions of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a concave shape.

14. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

15. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein no projection line tangent to the orifice second side edge at any point on the orifice second side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 20% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle of greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

16. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the orifice first side edge at a point on the orifice first side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle greater than 20 degrees.

17. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the orifice first side edge at a point on the orifice first side edge further away from the orifice top edge or the orifice bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the orifice length dimension forms an angle greater than 45 degrees.

18. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein each of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side are disposed on the stack right side.

19. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

20. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

21. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to the housing, the flange comprising an interior wall defining an aperture and surrounding the orifice, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

22. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of sheets of product, the pouch comprising:

a bottom portion with side portions adjoined to the bottom portion and each side portion adjoined to an adjacent side portion and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjoined to a top portion with the top portion overlying the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of sheets of product being positioned within the pouch;

the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension;

the plurality of sheets of product disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end along with a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the transverse right end stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of connections connecting successive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side with a majority of the connections which connect successive wipes entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side disposed on the stack right side;

a dispensing orifice in the top portion, the dispensing orifice having: an orifice width dimension extending in the transverse direction from an orifice first side edge to an orifice second side edge, the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge each extending from an orifice top edge to an orifice bottom edge with at least one of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprising a convex shape; an orifice length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the orifice length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing orifice; and

a lid assembly comprising a flange connected to the pouch and disposed about the orifice and a lid connected to the flange through a hinge by which the lid rotates from a closed position to an open position,

wherein the flange comprises an interior wall defining an aperture and a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

23. The flexible pouch of claim 22, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the orifice second side edge and the interior wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

24. The flexible pouch of claim 22, wherein the orifice second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the orifice first side edge, and wherein a portion of the orifice second side edge disposed most closely to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.

25. The flexible pouch of claim 22, wherein both of the orifice first side edge and the orifice second side edge comprise a convex shape.